SUPREME COURT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1978, 5 December 1889, Page 3

SUPREME COURT.

Wellington, Dec. 2. The crimnal sittings of the Supreme Court opened this morning before Mr Chief Justice Prendergast. Thomas B, Gambrill, charged with wilfully shooting a cow the property of his neighbour, was acquitted. Another charge has to be heard to-morrow. Bon tiller was acquitted on a charge of breaking and entering at Otaki. Dec. 8. Prank Masters, charged with indecent assault on a* child of tender years was found guilty, and sentence deferred. Dec. 4 In the Supreme Court this morning Prank Masters, alias Smith, abas Johnston, an elderly man who was found guilty the previous day of criminal assault on a child of tender years, was sentenced to five years penal servitude. Pour previous convictions had been recorded against the prisoner for indecent exposure, and he told His Honor that this particular kind of crime was a disease with him, and he was not accountable for his actions. When the sentence was pronounced the prisoner became very violent, and this, together with his extraordinary behavior during the trial, led to a belief that he is insane. It took four warders to forcibly remove him to the cells. In the third indictment against Thomas Gambrill, charging him with maliciously wounding, the Crown entered a nolle prosequi and accused was discharged. • Christchurch, Dec. 2.

The crimnal sittings opened this morning before Mr Justice Dennistoun. Harry B. Stirling, brought up for sentence recieved twelve months with hard labour. George Tillet, for robbery under arms, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to four years, Charles Newton, for horse stealing, was sentenced to twelve months. Isaac Fisher, found guilty of assault with intent, was sentenced to two years’ hard labour. Dunedin, Dec. 3.

William Arthur Comerford, late postmaster, was found guilty of embezzling £283 from the public service. He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment with hard labour, Charles Lesurer, for stealing 10 sovereigns by a form of the confidence trick, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour. Francis Nicholson was found not guilty of attempted suicide, A charge of assault with intent against William Pollock was not concluded. A witness who did not appear in time, had his recognisance of £SO estreated, and on his appearing afterwards the Judge said that representations might be made to the Minister to remit the amount, Dec. 4. William Pollock acquitted of a charge of assault with intent. In the Supreme Court, in a discussion as to the competency of a child of tender years to give evidence, the judge said the law was in a very unsatisfactory state, though recently amended. Eventually her evidence was taken, prisoner’s counsel protesting. The prisoner was, however, acquitted.